Austin Deasy's challenge to John Bruton is altogether in character. He was one of the ringleaders of the plot to oust Alan Dukes. What is not clear is who would make a more successful leader of Fine Gael. Deasy himself is not interested - he has said he will retire at the next general election. Michael Noonan, Alan Dukes and Nora Owen are all older than Bruton. The young bloodsare precisely that - too young.
Deasy wants his son John to succeed him in his Waterford seat. Young John has four years behind him as a Washington lobbyist and should be a formidable operator.